This picture was taken at the home of Mr. and Mrs. U.J. Andrews, 1512 East Houston Street, on Saturday, September 3, 1949, as members of Delta Rho Lambda met to receive the oath of charter as San Antonio’s new graduate chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

Our Chapter History

This historic event marked the presence of the oldest Black Greek-letter organization in San Antonio, Texas. The cold, bold young men were Bro. Ulysses James Andrews, Bro. Bernard Adams. Bro. Rowland A. Martin, Bro. Reginald T. Pickard, Bro. John W. Warren, Bro. Levi Jackson, Jr., Bro. John D. McDonald and Bro. James E. Taylor. After returning to San Antonio, Texas, these eight brothers of Alpha longed for the brotherhood and purpose that they had discovered while attending their respective colleges and universities.

It’s not clear who initiated the conversation. Still, it is widely accepted that all eight were committed to uniting under the mantra of Alpha to serve their community of San Antonio. They wasted no time in impacting their community, under the leadership of the chapter’s first President, Bro. Andrews, Delta Rho Lambda established scholarships, conducted voter registration drives, raised and contributed funds for the United Negro College Fund, and took a leading role in many cultural activities. Today, the brothers of Delta Rho continue the glowing legacy of our national founders, the Jewels, and the cold, bold eight of our chapter in service to all mankind.

Chapter Archives